On December 14, 2023, an argument between two individuals during a holiday performance at Lakewood Presbyterian Church took a violent turn, resulting in gunfire.
Clayton Matthews, 40, informed Dallas Police that he and John Steven Farmer, the stepfather of Matthews' children, engaged in a dispute in the church parking lot. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from Farmer admonishing one of the children for making loud noises during the holiday show.
The altercation escalated, leading Matthews to draw his firearm and shoot at Farmer until he perceived no further threat. An armed witness, reacting to the gunfire, intervened by brandishing his weapon and instructing Matthews to disarm. Matthews complied, removing the magazine and placing the gun and clip on the ground.
John Farmer sustained six gunshot wounds but is reported to be in stable condition. Matthews, also injured in the incident, suffered a facial fracture and significant tooth damage. Matthews asserted to the police that he acted in self-defense.
Following his release from the hospital, Matthews was booked into the Dallas County Jail, where he remains held on a $100,000 bond. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
